Biota along the Suquía River basin

Abstract

The biota inhabiting the Suquía River Basin is described in this chapter. Comments on the species of fish, birds, invertebrates and aquatic plants registered in this system are included. Along the basin, different factors generate a noncontinuous mosaic of abiotic conditions at temporal and spatial levels, which, in turn, structure the biotic communities. The Suquía hydrological system consists of three sections: the upper basin in a mountainous area with headwaters and torrential rivers flowing into the San Roque Reservoir; the middle basin with drainage areas belonging to the eastern slope of the Sierras Chicas, together with the drainage area of the city of Córdoba; and the lower basin which is located downstream from the city of Córdoba flowing into the Mar Chiquita Lake, where the river meanders exhibit little flow. The species of the different groups change according to the characteristics of each section. In this chapter, endemic and introduced species are discussed. The bivalve species that inhabit the Suquía River are not native, and the cause of their introduction is explained. Authors also specify the anthropic factors that negatively impact water, bird and invertebrate species in the river.